Method of and apparatus for folding blanks



Sept. 14, 1943.

- 1.. E. LA BCMBARD 7 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS Filed Feb. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet l \w siiiiii i INVENTOR. I Leon E. La Bom/mmi YM (INWILM) ATTORNEY.

p 1943. 1.. E.'LA BOMBARD METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS Filed Feb. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 2- b ail-in I: ll

INVENTOR. Leo/1 f. La Bombard WM.W

ATTORNEY.

Sept, 1943- L. E. LA BOMBARD METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS 6 Sheets-Sheet :5

Filed Feb. '7, 1940 INVENTOR. Leon E. La Bombard YM TIA ATTORNEY.

Sept. 14, 1943 L. E. LA BOMBARD METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS Ffiled Feb. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. Lea/1 E. La Bomard ATTORNEY.

Sept. 14, 1943. L. E. LA BOMBARD 2,329,353

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS Filed Feb. 7, 1940 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR /1 f 1 Leo/7 'ELaBomlmri ATTORNEY P 1943- L. E. LA BOMBARD METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR FOLDING BLANKS F iled Feb. 7, 1940 v 6, Sheets-Sheet e iatehted Sept. 14, 1943 UNITED METHOD OF AND W IN urm'rus ron rom- G numxs Leon E. La Bombard, Nashua, N. E, asslgnor. to

The International Paper Box Machine Company, Nashua, N. 11., a corporation of New Hlmpshlr application February 1, 1940, Serial no. 317.046

16 Claims.

This invention relates to a method of and ap-. paratus for folding blanks, and more particularly to the folding of blanks of paperboard or the like for making boxes, cartons, etc.

Heretofore in folding blanks it has been customary to apply a folding force to the surface or face of the portion to be folded, and accord-.

ingly, in the case of many different types of folds it hasbeen found necessary to support the blank'adjacent the line of fold in-order to accurately determine the foldand to prevent tearing of the :blank as often happened when the blank was bowed. vIn many types of folds this has required relatively complicated apparatus for performing the folding operation, and especially where itis desired that the blank be caused to travelduring folding. One type of fold which is usually difiicult to make is a. forward fold, namely one in which the folded portion-of the blank is turnedabout the line of fold toward the direction of movement of the blank. The present invention contemplates a method-of and apparatus for performing folds including forward folds, in a simple, positive and accurate manner.

In accordance with the invention, a folding force is applied against an edge of the blank in a direction toward the line about which the blank is to be folded to deflect the edge, and adjacent portion of the blank, out of the plane of the remainder of the blank, whereafter the 'movement of the edge away from the plane of the blank is positively halted, which breaksf or folds the blank along a predetermined line: of fold, and thereafter the folding force is confrom the folder member by suitable holding means, such as a bar extending along the path of movement of the blank and maintained in folded condition. ,Where the forward corner of the tinued to continue the movement of the folded v portion of the blank about the line of fold- The invention also contemplates the provision of a machine for folding blanks which, in accordance with the above-mentioned illustrative embodiment, includes a suitable conveyor for advancing the blanks .through the machine with the portions-to be folded suitably exposed and presented for folding. The marginal portion or portions of the blank to be folded are deflected out of the plane of the remainder of the blank by deflector members of suitable construction. One or more folder members are carried by endless traveling membersperlodically into position to engage the rear corners of the marginal portions to be folded, which folder members are advanced at a faster speed than the blank thereby to fold the corners about fold lines inclined to the path of movement of'the blank. Each fiolded marginal portion of the blank is received marginal portion of the blank is, to be folded, it is carried into engagement with :a folder member, which preferably is stationary and which operates generally in a manner analogous to the traveling folder member, after the marginal portion of the blank first has been deflected by suitable means. I

It is often desirable in manufacturing various articles from blanks, as for example, cartons and the like, to fold the blanks along lines making an angle of less than 90 with the principal fold lines or the edges of th blank. One example of such, folding is in the manufacture of 7 boxes of the type known as'flat folded or collapsible wall boxes which have a bottom wall and side walls standing upright therefrom. In order to permit such boxes to be collapsed, it is necessary to provide, in certain of the walls, fold lines forming an angle of less than 90 with the principal fold lines which occur between adjacent walls. Angular folds are generally considered to be more difiicult to make than the so-called straight folds. The present invention is eSpecially well adapted for making such folds and is described in connection with itsapplication to the manufacture ofboxes having angular folds, but the invention is not thus limited.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a method of making folds in blanks in a simple, efficient and rapid manner.

Another object of the-invention is the provision of a method'of making angular or diagonal flaps wherein the fold can be made without the necessity for supporting the marginal portion of the blank in which the fold is made.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a machine for making partially finished, or completed collapsed or flattfolded boxes or cartons, which machine is simple, accurate and a has a high production rate.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a machine for making forward straight or angular folds in blanks, in which machine it is not necessary to provide highly accurate timing of the blanks through the machine.

Variousother features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following particular description and from an inspection of the accompanying drawings.

Although the novel features which are believed to be characteristic of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims appended hereto, the invention itself, as to its objects and advantageaandthemannerinwhichitmaybe carried out, may be better understood by-referring to the followingdescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, in which:

118.1 is a fragmentary side elevational view in cross section of a folding machine constructed in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention Fig. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of a detail of the blank conveyor of the machine shown in Fig. 1; a I

Fig. 2A is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view taken along the line 2A-2A of Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational, somewhat diagrammatic view showing particularly the drive mechanism of the machine;

, Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary, vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Fi l;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary. vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line H of Fig. 6 is a fragmentary, horizontal, sectional view taken approximately along a line passing between the upper and lower conveyor belts of Fig. l, with certain of the structure omitted for the sake of simplifying the showing; v

Figs. 7 to 11, inclusive, are fragmentary, diagrammatic, side elevational views of successive portions of the machine; and illustrating the progress of the blank through the machine, the cooperative relation between the blank and certain portions of the machine, and certain steps in the angular folding operation;

Fig. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary and partially sectional view showing a deflector mechanism;

i3 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along the line i3--|2 of Fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of a folder member and a portion of a blank;

Fig. 15 is a front elevational view of the folde membershown in Fig. 14;

Fig. 16 is a plan view of one form of blank which can be folded by the machine constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 17 is a side elevational and somewhat diagrammatic view of another form of folder mechanism constructed in accordance with the invention; and

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary and somewhat diagrammatic top plan view showing particularly the stop mechanism of the structure of Fig. 17.

In the following description and in the claims, various details will be identified by specific names for convenience, but they are intended to be as generic in their application as the art will permit. Like reference characters denote like parts in the several figures of the drawings.

In order to facilitate explanation of the operation of the machine in accordance with the present invention, there is shown in Fig. 16 one form of blank 5:, from which a box can be made in accordance with the present invention. It will be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the folding of a box of this particular assasss in suitable sequence along the several score lines and by adhesively attaching the end flaps d to' the corresponding triangular corner portions h, the box being completed in folded condition in a manner customary for this type of box and .adaptedtobesetupbyraisingthesideand end wallsintheusualmanner. 'lheblank: is adapted to bemade into a box of the so-called infolded type, wherein the side walls are folded inwardly onto the bottom.

Referring now to vl ig. l of the drawings, there is shown for the purpose of illustration, a folding machine comprising a feeding-and-timing section A, a folding section B and adelivery section- C. It will be understood that the folding section Y B will usuallybe employed as a component part of a machine for performing other operations on the blanks. It is, therefore, also within the contemplation of the present invention to provide, a machine for making either semi-finished, or completely finished, collapsed boxes. Such machine, as hereinafter more fully described, has, in addition to the folding section B, additional sections for performing one or more additional operations as for example, making additional folds in. gluing, applying window material to, stacking,

' delivering the blanks, etc.

The feeding and timing section A may be of any known construction, as'for example, a mechanism including means (not shown) for withdrawing the blanks individually from a stack and means, such as carrier chains ll, having lugs is for engaging-the blanks and delivering them to the folding .section B in spaced and timed relation.

The folding section B includes relatively fixed side frames 20 (one of which is shown) suitably secured to each other or to a common base (not. shown). Journaled in the fixed side frames 2| are doubly threaded shafts or screws 2i and 22 which a iustably supp rt movable frames 24, 24 (one of which-is shown). The adjustable side frames 24, 24 can be adjusted laterally toward or awayfrom one another by turning the screws 2! and 22.

For the purpose of adjusting the spacing of the adjustable side frames 24, 24 on the screws- 2 I and 22 simultaneously, an adjusting mechanism may be provided (see Fig. 3) which includes a sprocket 25 on the screw 2!, a sprocket 20 on the screw 22, a chain 21 chained over the sprockets 26 and 25, and a driving sprocket 20 carried on a shaft 2!. When the shaft 28 is turned, it causes the doubly threaded screws 2i and 22 to turn accordingly in unison and thus adjust the lateral spacing of the frames 24, 24.

A conveyor is provided for carrying the blanks through the folding section B and includes generally similar, right-hand and left-hand portions,

(see also Fig. 8). For convenience, the mechanism on one side only of the machine will be explained in detail hereinafter, it being underv pulley stood that, except where otherwise expressly stated, the other mechanism is similar, but enantiomorphic.

A lower carrier belt 301s pulley 33 mounted on a-shaft 34. The shafts 32 and 34 are iournaled in the-fixed side frames asaasas trained over a-front I 3| .mounted on a shaft 32 and over a rear the'blanks, .at each side of the machine.

around a rear pulley 43 carried on a shaft 44.

Suitably mounted belt take-up pulleys 45, and

41 may be provided. The shafts u and are journaled in the fixed side frame 20, andthe pulleys '4l and 43 are connected in a suitable manner to-the corresponding frame 24 for ad- Justment of the pulleys and associated belt 40 therewith. The take-up pulleys 45 and 45 are supported by a bracket 48 carried by the frame 24.

For the purpose of carrying blanks through the machine, the belts and are caused to travel at the same speed by a drive mechanism. illustrated more particularly in Fig. 3. A drive shaft 55, which may be rotated in any suitable manner, is journaled in relatively fixed bearings 56 and 51 and carries a front bevel gear 58 meshing'with a bevel gear 50 which drives the shaft 32. A spur gear 59' rigid with. the bevel gear' 59 drives a gear 60 which in turn drive the shaft 42. At the rear end of the machine a bevel gear 5| driven by the drive shaft 55 meshes and drives 34'. A spur gear 62' meshes witha gear 53 which drives the shaft 44.

Lower and upper pressure units 10 and 1] (Figs. 1 and 2) are provided for the purpose of supporting the active or working runs of the belts 50 and 40 respectively,- and for pressing them together under suflicient pressure to grif the blanks therebetween foradvancing the blanks through the machine by the-'rnovementof the belts. The lower pressure unit 10 includes a series of rollers 12 mounted respectively on shafts '13, which shafts are journaled in pairs in plates 14 which in turn are secured in a frame 15 carried by the pointed out.

inner ends of the angular folds. In order to adjust the lateral spacing of the paired sets of belts to accommodate blanks of different widths, the side frames 24,' 24,are adiusted in themanner above described by turning the shaft 29, and the belts 30, 30 and 40. 40 and their associated mechanisms are adjusted accordingly.

In order to initially deflect the lateral marginal portions of the blank out of the plane of the remainder of the blank for engagement by folder members (to be described hereinafter) one or] more, and in the present case, two deflector mechanisms 05 and 35 are disposed along the path of asmuch as the deflector mechanisms 05 and 03 are generally similar, only one of these will be described in detail, it being understood that'the others are similar except as otherwise expressly 4 One of the deflector mechanisms 05 is illustrated somewhat in detail in Figs. 12 and 13, to

which figure reference now is made. The defiector mechanism 05 is mounted on a bracket 81 extending upwardly from the corresponding side frame 24 and is adjustable bodily thereon,

about a horizontal axis, for a purpose herein after explained.

A supporting arm 30 has a bushing portion. 00 which is received in a bore in the bracket 01, and a clamp portion in which is inserted and secured a shaft'9L A member 02 is carried on and secured in a non-rotatable but axially adjustable manner to the shaft 0| as by a set screw IN. The member 92 has a yoke portion 03 which is inserted in a groove 94 in the hub of a sprocket-95. The sprocket 30 is carried on and non-rotatably secured to a shaft 01 :lournaled in the bushing 85 and carrying fixedly ,thereon a driving sprocket-08.

The driving sprocket 00 has a split hub I03, which receives a clamp collar I02 secured by a set screw I02, and which clamps the'hub against the shaft .91. Thus, the angular position of the shaft 01 relative to the sprocket 98 can be adjusted to vary the relation between the sprockets 00 and 00. A collar 29, secured by a set screw I00, may be provided to permit angular adjusting adjustable side frame 24. The rollers 12 bearagainst the under surface of and support the lower carrier belt, 30 and are free to rotate as the belt is caused totraveL The upper pressure unit 1I includes a series of rollers 16 carried on shafts 11 respectively, which shafts are journaled in pairs inplates 18. The plates 18 are individually mounted for vertical'movement by means of plungers 80 working in a frame 19, and are normally urged downwardly by a spring 8| to press the rollers 16 into engagement with the upper surface of the upper carrier belt 40. The rollers 15 are free to rotate upon movement of the upper carrier belt 40, and yieldingly hold the upper belt against the lower belt but permit the introduction of blanks betiming mechanism A, the blanks are engaged by the active runs of the'belts and 'are advanced at the same speed as the belts. The sets of belts are positioned to engage blanks inwardly of the movement of the shaft 91 by inserting aturning rod or wrench (not shown) in a socket-' in the collar 09.

A deflector chain I05 istrained around the sprocket and around a lower sprocket I06 of small diameter rotatably carried by a stud bolt I01 iournaled in a bearing I08 and suitably se-- cured as by a spacer I09 and-nut, Il0. Preferably, the lower sprocket I06 is jaurnaled on the stud I01 by a ball hearing I I I, secured by a lock ring II2.

The bearing I08 is carried by a stud H3 received in a bore H4 in the member 92 and secured therein as by a setsscrew II5. Thusthe distance of the lower sprocket I06 from the upper sprocket 95 may be readily adjusted in order to tighten the chain I05.

Thechain I05 detachably carries a depresser finger II5 adapted to engage and deflect the marginal portion of the blank. .Where the defiector chain I05 is designed to make one complete circuit per single blank and to depress a single marginal portion thereof, only one ,deflector finger H6 is provided. However, in certain cases, as for'example. where small sized blanks are being run, it is desirable to operate upon' by the chain I 35.

byflieahlftll. In rearwarddeflectorflisdrivenbya chain Ifl'trainedaroundthesprocketfland aromdaspmcketillonflieshaftll- Mean: other-than mam carri o eanbeprovidedfordeflectlngthemars fingers, rotating arms or vacuum, or air pressure. 1neertaineaaes,as'wherethehlankhasrelativelywidesideiiaplormarginalportionswhich tend to dnoop out of the plane of the remainder of the blank, means may be provided for supporting out of the way of the folder members, those naps which are not to be folded.

For the purpose of maung what is referred to herein as the angular fold, a folder mechanism including a folder member and supporting and actuating means therefor is disposed at each side of the machine (see Figs. 1 and 6). Since similar mechanisms are provided at the two sides of the machine, only one will be described in detail.

A frame I24 is supported ona shaft I28 and held against turning by a shaft I24 both of which shafts are mounted by the main side frames 24. The frame I24, is not supported directly on the shaft I24, but is provided with a yoke I24 which enters a slot I24 in the hub of a sprocket I3I mounted on the shaft I25. The

lateral spacing of the frame I24 and the mechanism carried thereby from the similar frame I24 on the other side of the machine is adjusted by a shaft I" having suitable engagement with the two frames.

Referring now to Fig. 2A, the shaft I34 is secured as by :a set screw I48 in an externally threaded collar :III threaded through a nut rigidly secured to the frame I24.- The collar I4I extends through the adjustable side frame 24 and is connected thereto by flanges JIM secured to the collar Ill, The shaft I36 extends through to the other :side of the machine and a'similar mechanism cooperates therewith. The frames I24 thus can be adjusted relatively to the frames 24 in a lateral direction by turning the shaft I46. An endless chain as is trained around the sprocket III and a sprocket I23 carried on a shaft I33. The shaft I" is Joumaled in an arm I22 adjustably carried by the frame I24. For the purpose of adjusting the distance of the sprocket I23 from the sprocket Ill, an adiusting screw I34 preferably is provided. I

The upper :run of the chain- Ill may be guided and supported by a track I39 having a slot I (Fig. therein which receives pins I41 carried bracket I84 extending from the frame I24 and adjustable laterally therewith.

The chain I35 detachably carries a folder member or folder" I40 adapted to engage and fold a corner of the marginal portion f the blank along an angular line of fold. .Alt ough in "the present illustrative embodiment, only one such folder member is shown on the chain I35, it is within the contemplation of the invention The track It! is carried by a.

Referring now particularly to Fig. 3, the sprocket IJI is driven from the main drive shaft by a-- chain Iii trained around a sprocket I44- securedtotheshaftflandarounda rocke I42 secured on the shaft I24. m t

.When the main drive shaft 45 is driven, it operates through the mechanism just described to drive the sprockets III and cause the chain I44 to travel, thereby causing the folder member I44 to travel similarly. The folder member 144 thus is repeatedly brought intopoaition to engage the marg nal portion of a blank, which ,has been deflected by the deflector mechanism which are adapted to limit the upward movement of the marginal portions when the folds are made. The holder bars I4I preferably extend from adjacent the point of engagement of the folder member I44 and blank to adjacent the rear end of the foldingsection. The holder bars II are carried by studs 44 vertically adjustable in blocks 65 which are in turn laterally adjustable on studs 66 secured in the frames I4 and the bars IBI therefore can be, adjusted vertically and horizontally and can be positioned either inside or outside of the chains I45 of the depresser mechanisms 45 and 46.

Disposed along the path of movement of the marginal portion of the blank, are lower folder bars I44 (see Figs. 1 and 10), which receive the marginal portion of the blank after it has been folded by the folder member I44, and retain this portion of the blank in folded condition. It will be noted that the holder bar I is spaced slightly from the belts 44 and 44 to provide a space I42 which-space permits the infolded edge portion of the blank to enter therein. The holder bar I64 preferably is formed with a longitudinally extendable forward end m which preferably telescopes with the forward end of the holder bar I64 proper.

The end or toll portion Ii! of the lower holder This operation is described more inassess:

corner of the marginal portion of the blank.

Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 4, the

rear folder mechanism includes a bracket I'll. secured to the side frame 24 and carrying a lower.-

holder plate I12. Disposed forwardly of, and preferably formed integral with the lower folder plate I12, is a folder member I18 which preferably is formed similarly to the folder member I48 but which faces rearwardly. i

Inasmuch as the blank is traveling forwardly when it reaches the folder member I13, it is not necessary to cause the folder member I13 to move, but this member can be fixed and the blank allowed to move into engagement therewith to effect the folding. The deflector mechanism 86 depresses the marginal portion of the blank and causes it to enter the folder member I'I8,-whereafter the folding of the forward corner of the marginal portion of the blank is accomplished in a. manner analogous to the manner in which the rearward corner is folded by the folder mechanism I48.

After the forward corner has been folded, the blank enters between the lower holder plate II2- and an upper holder plate I82 carried byan adjustable rod I8I vertically slidable in the bracket I18. The folded corner portions of the blank thus are maintained in folded position.

Disposed adjacent the rearward end of the holder plates I12 and I82 are presser rolls I85 and I86 driven 'by gears I81 and I88 respectively (see Fig. 3), from the gear 62' by an in-. termediate gear I88'meshing with the gear- 82' and the gear I89. Thepresser rolls I85 and I86 firmly press down the folded portions of the blank as the blank passes therethrough.

The blank is delivered by the presser rolls I85 and I86 to the delivery section C'whereupon'the blanks can be collected forsubsequentfurther operations thereon, or can be conveyed to a folding, gluing or other mechanism for immediate carrying out of such additional operations as may be desired.

The folding operation is illustrated somewhat carry it into the path of the corresponding folder member I48.

The folder chains I88 are driven at such speed, and the folder members I48 are so located on the chains that the folder members I48 are brought into engagement with the rear corners of the blank :r durlng the time the marginal portions f of the blank are deflected by the deflector fingers H6. The inclined folding surface I42 moves into engagement .with the blank and enk kes the edge of the extreme corner portion, and upon further movement relative to the blank, deflectsthe manginal portion 1 of the blank further out of the plane of the body of the blank The folder surface I42 is inclined in a forward and outward direction from the apex, and is also inclined-rearwardly and downwardly from the upper edge I45, thus, as the inclined folder surface I42 moves into engagement with and along the marginal portion of th blank, it acts as an inclined plane to force the marginal portion downwardly and inwardly.

The marginal portion of the blank is deflected downwardly and inwardly until the rear edge strikes the abutment provided by the shelf I43.

The apex I48 travels substantially along the line of juncture of the marginal portion 1 with the bottom a and the abutment extends downwardly andforwardly at such an angle from th apex I48 that, when the rear edge of the blank strikes the abutment, the edge and abutment are in ac-. curate engagement throughout their mutual lateral extent, as shown in Fig. 9.

When the rear edge of the marginal portion 1' strikes the abutment, the movement of the rear edge out of the plane of the blank is halted; the

marginal portionis raised, and the blank is broken"-or folded along a line of fold which is determined accurately by the shape and disposition of the folder member I48, which line in the present illustrative embodiment is inclined substantially to the path of movement of the diagrammatically in Figs. 1, 7 toll, and 14, in-

Blanks a: are delivered successively and in timed and spaced relation by the feeding and timing section A into the nip of the belts 38 and 48 and advanced along the folding section B preferably at a constant speed of travel.

When each blank :2: reaches a position under the forward deflector mechanisms 85, the deflector fingers I I6 engage the marginal portions 1 0f the blank and deflect them slightly out of the plane of the remainder of the blank. and into the paths of the folder members I48, respectively, the deflector fingers I I 6 being 50 positioned on the chains I85 and the chains driven at such speed, that the fingers ll 6 engage the marginal portions f respectivelyas the blanks pass under the deflector mechanisms 85. However, it is not necesthe marginal portions) as a slight movement of the marginal portion out of the plane blank. The positive haltingof the downward movement of the edge of the blank positively and accurately determines the line along whichthe blank folds. I

Further movement of the folder member I48 I vrelative tothe blank causes the upper edge I46 of the inclined folder surface I42 to bear against the folded corner h of the blank below the plane of the marginal portion and to effect further movement of the folded corner portion 7:. about the line of fold The shelf I43 is disposed at such an -angle,.relative to theinclined folding surface so that the extreme corner edge of the blank a: rides up along the surface of the shelf I43 asthe corner portion h isfurther turned aboutthe lineof fold.

Still further movement of the folder member I48 relative to the blank causes the upper edge I46 of the inclined folder surface I42 to ride along the comer portion h, and the tail I4I, assisted by the edge I48, completes the turning movement of the comer portion h, and holds it in folded condition until the blank a: is carried into position V sary that the deflector fingers engage any precise 'point 0 .l

engaging the lower holder bar I68 and the edge of the folded corner h enters'the groove I62. Shortly after this the folder member I48 will have moved out of engagement blankthen advances to its position under the rearward deflector mechanism.

The blank :1: is advanced until the marginal rear deflector inechaportions pass under the nisms 86 which deflect these portions out of the plane of the blank x. The forward comers d of the marginal portions 1. are carried into enwith the blank and the 6 gagement with the forward folding members I12 and folded thereby along lines 1 in a manner analogous to that in which the rear corners were folded.

Theblankzisthencarriedintothespacebetween the holder plates "2 and I22, and then between the rolls i4! and I" and is delivered thereby to the delivery section c.

It will be noted that the tail portion I02. of the lower, holder bar in is reduced in height and is flexible, :i'hich permits it to he deflected inwardly when the forward corner h of the blank .1: is folded inwardly and thus the tail portion I does not interfere with this folding operation,

' but, however, performs its intended; function of retaining the rearward corner portion h. in folded condition;

In certain cases it may be desirable to feed the the separate timing section. In such a case, the timing or registering is effected in the folding section, and preferably, the folding is partially or entirely carried out while the blank is stationary. There is shown in Figs. 17 and 18, an embodiment of my invention constructed with this concept.

In this construction, a suitable feeding mechanism AA is provided which includes a chute or hopper 240 for supporting a stack of blanks. a feed or pull-out wheel 2||l and a cooperating roll 222. A supporting floor or table 202 and cooperating feed rolls 2" and 245 are provided for guiding the leading edge of each blank into the nip of the belts of the folding section BB.

The folding section or mechanism BB may be generally similar to that above described except as hereinafter expressly pointed out. The folding mechanism BB includes lower carrier belts 2 III trained around pulleys 2| and 2|2 and upper and cooperating carrier belts 2|2 trained around pulleys 2M and 2| e. A lower pressure unit 220 is provided for each lower belt and cooperating therewith are upper pressure units 22 which extend only partially along the length of the lower pressure units 220, for a purpose hereinafter to be explained.

Deflector mechanisms 222 and 224 having deflector fingers 222 and 225 respectively are provided in a manner generally similar to that in the construction described above.

A folder member 23| is carried by a chain 232 trained around sprockets .222 and 224 in a manner generally similar to that described above, and operates in a generally similar manner.

'Disposed adjacent the path of travel of the belts 2 0 and 2 I 3 is a stop mechanism including a lever 235 rockably mounted by a shaft 236. The lever 235 carries a stop pin 231 adapted to be rocked into position in front of the leading edge of a blank carried by the belts 2H! and 2|! for the purpose of halting the blank. 7

At the other end of the lever 235 is a shaft 228 carrying rollers 239 adapted to bear respectively upon the two working runs of the upper belt 2 II, when the lever- 225 is rocked in a clockwise direction.

Inasmuch as the working run of the upper belt i 2|; does not have any pressure unit cooperating 225 is rocked clockwise (as viewed in Fig. 1'1) to.

lift the stop pin 221 out of the path of the blanks. the rolls 222 bear against the upper belt 212 and press it against the lower belt 2|. with sufllcient force to again advance the blank.

The shaft 226 is rocked by a lever 28., pii/otally connected to a pushrod 244 having a bifurcate head 24! engaged around the shaft 2|! which carries the pulley 2". The shaft 2|4 also carries a cam 242 driving a follower 242 pivoted on the head 24l of the pushrod 244. When the shaft 2|! is rotated-to bring the high portion of the earn 242 against the follower 242 the pushrod 244 is.driven rearwardly to rock the shaft 222 in a clockwise direction against the tension of a spring 242. However. when the cam 242 is rotated further, the follower 242 rides onto the low portion of the cam and the spring 24! causes the shaft 224 to be rocked in a counter-clockwise direction. The mechanism is provided with lower and upper holder bars 254 and 2" and with lower and upper holder plates2i2 and 282, as well as with a stationary folder member 254, all of which members are similar in construction and operation to the equivalent members in' the previously described embodiment of the invention.

The operation of the modified form of the device is generally similar to the first described form. The blanks are successively withdrawn from the stack by the pull-out wheel 2" and delivered to the nip of the belts 2|. and 2| which carry the blank to the stop mechanism. The stop mechanism is so timed that the stop pin 221 is in operative position when a blank reaches the stop mechanism. The blank is halted by the stop pin 221 and while thus halted, is engaged by the folder member 22| which is carried into engagement with and past the blank to fold the rear comer of the marginal portion of the blank, the marginal portion of the blank having been previously deflected by the deflector mechanism 222 into position to be engaged by the folder mechanism 2. The mechanism is so timed, that after the folder mechanism 22| has folded the corner portion along the angular line of fold, the stop mechanism operates to release the blank and allow it to be carried forwardly into the folder bars 250 and 25L It will be understood that the mechanism may be timed so that only an initial portion of the fold is carried out while the blank is halted or, if desired, .the fold may be completed before the blank is allowed to proceed. However, the blank is maintained in folded condition b the folder member 22| until it is inserted between folder bars 250 and 2M. The blank is then advanced to the remainder of the machine and the folding of the forward corner is efiected in a manner similar to that previously described.

As indicated in the foregoing description of the apparatus, numerous adjustments are provided for in order to adapt the machine for use 'in folding various types of blanks of varying shapes, sizes and proportions.

The right and left hand adjustable frames 24, their associated conveyor mechanisms, deflector V mechanisms, folder mechanisms, holder bars. etc.,

are adjustable toward and away from each other in a lateral direction to adapt the machine for use with blanks of various widths. The upper holder bars also are adjustable laterally but independent]? of the frames 24 and. as above stated, can be disposed either inside or outside of. the depresser chains I". Also, the upper holder bar,

as well as the upper holder plate can be adjust- I able vertically to provide for operations on blanks of different thicknesses.

The mechanism also may be adjusted for open ating upon blanks having marginal portions of various widths. For example, the. frames I24 which carry the folder mechanism can be ad- Justed laterally with'regard to their respective side frames 24 in order to adjust the distance of the folder members I40 relative to the cooperating belts 30 and 40. It will be noted, however,

that by reason of the novel construction of the A folder members I40, it is not necessary that they engage the portion of the blank to be folded at any particular point of the active surface of the folder member; any single adjustment of the folder member, therefore, will permit folding of a 'wide variety of blanks. It is, of course, necessary that the folder member I40 be sufliciently close to the conveyor so that it will engage the corner of-the blank to fold the same. Additionally, the deflector mechanisms are so constructed,

that thechains I05 and their cooperating sprockets 9G and I06 (Figs. Hand 16) can be adjusted axially on the supporting shafts! and 91 so that the deflector fingers IIIi 'will engage the marginal portions of the blanks. In this connection it will be noted that the lateral distance at which the deflector fingers I I6 engage the marginal portions of the blankis not' ordinarily critical but it is suflicient merely that the deflector fingers be engaged by the folder members I40 and the marginal portions of the blank and deflect them sufficiently to be engaged by the folder members 140.

The machine also can be adjusted for accommodating blanks of various dimensions measured longitudinally of the direction of travel. The folder member I40 can be adjusted to various positions on the folder chain I and where relatively short blanks are fed through the machine at close intervals, a plurality of folder-members I are attached to the chain. In an analogous manner the deflector fingers lIIi car be adjusted on the chains and one ormore such fingers can ortions of the blanks are deflected upwardly out of the plane of the remainder of the blank, and the folder members engage the blank from above. By inverting one of the folder members relatively to the other, one marginal fold can be made in one direction (for example upwardly), and the other in the opposite direction.

The folds may be made in various mar i portions other than those shown, as for example, in the end flaps, end walls or the like; and can be made along lines making other than angles with the main foldv lines, or can be made along the main fold lines. The invention isapplicable to the making of what might be termed a "straight fold," that is, a fold wherein amarginal ing various folds in blanks of a wide range of 1 types, sizes and proportions. Moreover, the machine in, many respects does not require critical timing or adjustment. Also, inasmuch as many of the adjustable portions of the structure are carried by single frames. as for example, the

frame 24 and the frame I24, the various adjustments can be made qui y and i y and the machine, therefore, need only be idle for a relatively short set up time, thus greatly increasing the overall efllciency of operation.

The construction of the machine and the manner in which it operates are such that the ma.- chine canv be run at comparatively high speeds and thus a high rate of production obtained.

be provided. While ordinarily the. position at which the deflector fingers engage the marginal portions of the blank, in a fore-and-aft direction. is not critical, nevertheless, this position can be varied by adjusting th arm 88 and its associated mechanism angularly about the shaft 97, thereby changing the fore-and-aft position of the lower sprocket I06 relative to the conveyor. Furthermore, by changing the angular adjust- -ment of the deflector mechanism. the level at which the finger engages the blank can be adjusted. The extendable telescoping end I65 of the lower holder bar I can be adjusted longitudinally in order to provide their engagement with .,the blank at various fore-and-a'ft positions as may be required.

Since the timing of the blanks is not critical; it

is not necessary to use carrier chains with register pins, or any otherpositive type of feed but cooperating carrier belts or other friction feeding means can be employed. Thus, marring, denting' or rupturing of the blanks is minimized.

While the invention has been illustrated in cone nection with amachlne wherein the corners of the marginal portions are folded downwardly, it

is within the contemplatio n of the invention to make the angular fold in an upward direction.

In this event, the folder mechanisms and deflector mechanisms together with their associated structures are inverted so that the marginal Moreover, owing to the fact that it is not necessary to obtain exact registry for a folding operation, the machine may be run at a higher speed than if exact registry were required.

The folding operation is performed in a highly accurate and positive manner and it is not necessary that any of the scores be previously broken and in fact, the score lines need not be deeply made. The folding operation is such that lithe blank or the marginal portion thereof is bowed for any reason, the blank will be straightened F along the fold line, at the initiation of the foldin the annexed claims, it will ing action, and thus eliminate the tendency to rupture. Also, it is not necessary to support the marginal portion of the blank against the folding action. The blank is not gripped. or forcibly struck on its'face by folding elements or other members, andtherefora is not marred in any way. I

While certain novelfeatures of the invention have been' disclosed herein, and are pointed-out various omissions. substitutions and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is: I

1. The method of folding the corner portion of a blank about a diagonal line of fold intersectfleet the edge ing adjacent edges .of "the blank, which coiniprises applying to the corner portion a folding.

ing-the movement of an edge and adjacent porbe understood that tion and applying said folding force to said portion adjacent said line of fold to continue the movement of said corner portion about the line of fold.

' means for supporting a blank, a folder member having a surface inclined to the plane of said 7 blank for deflecting the edge of said blank, an

abutment associated with said surface for limiting the movement of the edge of said blank on said surface and means for effecting relative translational movement of said blank and said folder member to engage the edge of said blank and said surface and to cause movement of said edge' and surface while in engagement through a position wherein said edge and said abutment meet.

4. Apparatus for folding blanks including, means for advancing a, blank, timed means for halting said blank, means for deflecting corner portions of said blank, means operating on said blank when said blank is halted for folding said comer portions against the body of the blank about lines inclined to the direction of movement of .said blank into said halted position, means for then advancing said blank, and means for making additional folds in said blank during movement of said blank along lines parallel to the direction of movement of the blank.

5. A folder member including a support, a wall carried by said support and defining a folder surface diverging from an apex, an abutment extending along the lower edge of said surface and a tail portion extending rearwardly from adjacent said apex.

6. A folder member adapted to be moved into engagement with a blank, including a support, a wall carried thereby and defining a folder surface inclined laterally and longitudinally, relatively to the normal path of movement of said support, an abutment extending along the lower edge of said folder surface and inclined downwardly and forwardly relatively to the said path of movement, and a surface extending rearwardly from adjacent at least a portion of the top edge of said folder surface.

7. A folder member including a folder surface adapted to be inclined to the plane of a blank to be folded, an abutment at an edge of said folder surface to engage an edge of the blank and a surface extending from said folder surface to support the folded portion of the blank.

8. The method of making angular folds in blanks which comprises advancing a blank along a predetermined path, applying a. folding force edgewise of said blank having a component perpendicular to'the line of fold and a component inclined to the plane ofthe blank to deflect the adjacent portion of the blank out of the plane of the blank; positively halting the movement of said adjacent portion out of the plane of the blank, and applying a force to said adjacent portion to fold it against the blank.

9. A machine for making angular folds in blanks comprising means for advancing a blank having a surface inclined laterally and longitudinally relatively to said path and extending substantially parallel to the line of fold of said blank. means for advancing said folder at a higher speed than said blank to engage said surface with the edge of said blank and bend the edge away from the plane of said blank, and an abutment associated with said surface for halting movement of said edge away from the plane of said blank.

10. A machine for making angular folds in blanks comprising means for advancing a blank along a predetermined path, a folder member having a surface inclined laterally and longitudinallyrelatively to said path, means for deflecting the marginal portion of said blank into the path of said surface, means for effecting relative movement between said blank and said folder to cause engagement therebetween and to cause said marginal portion to be bent out of the plane of the blank, and an abutment associated with said a surface for engaging the edge of said marginal portion and exerting an edgewise folding force on said marginal portion.

11. The method of folding a portion of a blank I against the body of the blank about a fold line which comprises applying a folding force against an edge of said portion, in a direction toward said fold line, 'to deflect said portion out of the plane of the blank, abruptly halting the movement of said edge away from said plane, and applying a folding force to said portion adjacent said fold line to complete the folding of said portion against saldbody.

12. The method of folding'a portion of a blank with respect to the body thereof about a fold line therebetween, which comprises effecting relative I movement between said blank and a non-yielding abutment in a direction substantially parallel to positively engage the edge of said portion "in substantially the plane thereof in a direction substantially toward said fold line and causing said portion to swing about the point ofengagement of said edge with said abutment, said point acting as a pivot fixed with respect to the plane of said blank.

13. Apparatus for folding a blank of paperboard or the like comprising a holder for said blank, a folder, means for effecting relative movement of said folder and holder in a direction substantially parallel to the plane of the blank, an abutment fixedly mounted on said folder and having a substantially fixed relationship with the plane of said blank where it operates on the blank, said abutment being so related to said blank as to engage the edge of the flap to be folded, causing said flap to rotate about said abutment as a center and causing said body to move in conformity with the positively'controlled action of said abutment.

Apparatus for folding a blank of paperboard or the like comprising a path along which the blanks move, a folder, a path along which said folder moves, means for moving said folder along said folder path in substantially the same direction as, .and faster than, the movement of said blanks, an abutment fixedly mounted on said folder and having a fixed relationship with the direction of said folder path at the point where it operates on. the blanks, said abutment, being so related to said blanks as to engage the edge of the flap to be folded, causing said flap to rotate about said-abutment as a center and causing said body to move in conformity with the nmlfluniu Mania-Allan! M M all. nhnhnmf 15. The method of folding a blank of paperboard or the like which comprises deflecting a part of the blank out of the plane of the body of the blank, applying a force to said part substantially edgewise of said part and in the plane of said part to break the fold, and thereafter completing the fold.

16. The method of folding a blank of paperboard or the like which includes guiding a part 

